‘Youngest ever MP’ for national parliament - Pimlico Academy student Omar Archer comes top of poll

Published: 17 June 2011
by JOSH LOEB

WESTMINSTER’S youngest ever “Youth MP” stepped up to the plate this week with a promise to give a voice to the borough’s school pupils.

Omar Archer, 12, who lives off Ebury Street and attends Pimlico Academy, came top in a poll of people in his year and will now take his place in the national Youth Parliament.

Omar said it was wrong to think people his age were apathetic about politics. He said: “It’s not that young people don’t like politics, it’s that they don’t know enough about politics. It’s important to know what is going on and how to help in your community.”

Omar said he did not feel nervous about the prospect of making sure the council and other decision-makers looked after the interests of himself and his peers, adding that he hoped to pursue a career in politics, perhaps one day in the Commons.

He said: “I’m so happy that people voted for me. I worked really hard to get here by campaigning in my school, in my area and on Facebook.”

Syeda Sultana, a pupil at Paddington Academy, has been elected as Westminster’s new deputy Youth MP.

Nickie Aiken, Westminster’s cabinet member for children, young people and community protection, said: “Omar and Syeda have both done really well to get elected to their new roles. The UK Youth Parliament and Westminster’s Youth Council are both excellent ways for young people to have their say and make a difference to their city.”

Pictured: Young team for the borough: Omar Archer, 12, and Syeda Sultana, 17, who will represent Westminster in the UK Youth Parliament